Freedom is not just an opportunity – it is also a responsibility
Our culture celebrates freedom, yet it doesn’t give the freedom to drive to those below the legal driving age. Why not? Because they may not [...]
No loss is as disempowering as the loss of faith in our free will
Our possessions such as properties and positions give us power to do things. Losing any such possession is disempowering. However, among all such losses, the [...]
We can help the unable, but not the unwilling
If a car is not starting, helpful passers-by may push it. With the driver and the pushers working together, the car may start moving. But [...]
Spiritual wisdom is to be mulled over, not skimmed over
We live in a culture of information overload – updates from various devices, feeds and apps clamor for our attention. We cope by skimming over [...]
We can’t survive for long on secondhand faith
Secondhand faith refers to the faith we have developed in something because of our faith in those who tell us to do that thing. Such [...]
Don’t superimpose the negativity of proselytizing on sharing
Some people, alarmed by reports of overzealous missionaries, feel that proselytizing should be banned. It’s sadly true that some proselytizers do convert by hook or [...]
See people as subjects with volition, not objects for indoctrination
Some people hesitate to embark on a spiritual search because they fear that they may unwittingly end up in cults that brainwash people. Their fears [...]
Others can’t push if we stop pushing ourselves
Sometimes when a car doesn’t start, people may come around to push it, to get it to start. At such times, the combined efforts of [...]
Doubting is a self-deluding form of believing
Skeptics often deride believers for not being sharp enough to doubt questionable ideas. Though skeptics may have sharp intelligence that is well used to doubt [...]
The use of force to convert doesn’t expand faith – it reduces faith
Some religious groups force others to convert to their faith, “Convert or die.” But faith is a choice of the heart that can’t be forced. [...]
We don’t have any choice except to believe in our power of choice
“Do we have the power to choose our actions or are they determined by factors beyond us?” This question confronts thinking humans, whatever their beliefs. [...]
Those who base their faith on miracles confuse the supernatural with the Supreme
Some people feel that their faith in God will be boosted if they see miracles performed by him. In fact, many people accept some godmen [...]
Scripture doesn’t take away our freedom of choice, but gives us choice of another freedom
People sometimes resent scriptural guidance: “If I am constantly told to do this and to not do that, won’t that take away my freedom of [...]
Our destiny is not sealed – as long as we don’t seal ourselves with it
“Is our destiny sealed?” This question may trouble us when, despite our best efforts, things go wrong. No, answers Gita wisdom unambiguously. Philosophical technicalities apart, [...]
Scripture doesn’t deprive us of freedom; it protects us from depriving ourselves in the name of freedom
An intoxicated person with a million dollar check may squander it on something trivial, like a hundred bottles of booze. Naturally, a well-wishing friend will [...]
Life is not a fixed match, but Krishna can help us fix it
In a fixed match, things are orchestrated to produce a predetermined result. Is life a fixed match? Is everything destined? No, indicates the Bhagavad-gita (18.63) [...]
Don’t give up the intelligence; go beyond the intelligence
Intellectuals sometimes feel alienated from scriptures due to what they feel are its inconsistent or illogical statements. As their intellect has been their guide and [...]
Krishna walks with us, but not for us
When we strive to live spiritually, we often find ourselves succumbing to materialism, despite our prayers to Krishna for protection. At such times, we may [...]